Drought crisis: Willy Mutunga chides State for not standing with Kenyans

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has castigated the government for not doing anything to help the poor and needy as the drought situation continues.

Mutunga was responding to a tweet from user Patrick Gathara who had asked Kenyans to demand accountability when donating to the Red Cross.

"If you choose to stand with Kenyans, demand accountability along with your donation," Gathara said.

"Your fellow citizens are not being starved by the drought but by the negligence, malfeasance and incompetence of GoK."

But in a quick rejoinder, Mutunga said that Gathara should add other elements such as theft.

"You should add theft, wastage, and elite hatred and inhumanity towards the poor," he said.

"Kenyans will know soon enough that their government does not [stand with] them."

Last week, Kenya Red Cross secretary General Abbas Gullet launched an urgent appeal for the support of the ongoing drought crisis in Kenya.

The Red Cross sought the support of all Kenyans, partners and stakeholders in an effort to mitigate the effects of the drought.

While the current drought situation has left more than 1.1 million Kenyans hungry, the Red Cross says the number is likely to rise if there is no immediate intervention.

The government has denied that there are any reports of death related to hunger after 11 deaths were reported.